We Shine Brighter Together at RTR…

Combining over 110 years of Reform Judaism in Rockland County, Temple Beth El (Spring Valley) and Temple Beth Torah (Nyack) merged to create an even brighter entity, The Reform Temple of Rockland (RTR). Everyone comes together here – interfaith couples, LGBTQ families, the young and the not-so-young – to create our warm Jewish community. Our Worship is enriched with a love of music, filled with our gifted Cantor’s voice, our choir, and our Chai Life Rock Shabbat band. Toe tapping and hand clapping are encouraged! See for yourself why so many find our family-friendly Friday night services or educational programming so inspiring, or why our B’nei Mitzvah are just beginning their journeys, not ending them. Each of us is a Jewish light but together, we all shine brighter. Don’t wait for a holiday to drop by. Our caring clergy and congregation look forward to meeting you!

Rabbi's Sermon

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Judgment Days

Judgment Days jemerman September 21, 2023

High Holidays

an image of a prayer book opened, two shofars and a tallit on a white wooden surface

Some label Rosh HaShanah and the period between the New Year and Yom Kippur as "Judgment Days," a time during which the trajectory of our lives for the coming year is reached.

Enhancing Mitzvot on Simchat Torah with Three Nature Crafts for Children

Enhancing Mitzvot on Simchat Torah with Three Nature Crafts for Children jemerman September 18, 2023

Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

an image of three young girls picking berries off a bush

As summer changes to autumn in St. Louis, we seek ways to find nature-based connections...

Jewish Women at War: Golda, You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Jewish Women at War: Golda, You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah jemerman September 18, 2023

Arts and Culture

an image of a pair of black glasses sitting next to movie theater popcorn on a red chair with a light shining bright behind

Two very different Jewish films have emerged on the 2023 late summer film scene. One depicts the trials and tribulations of a 75-year-old legislator during the greatest crisis of her life, the other portrays a 12-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood.

Simple Ways to Make Yom Kippur Meaningful at Home with Young Children

Simple Ways to Make Yom Kippur Meaningful at Home with Young Children jemerman September 13, 2023

Yom Kippur

an image of a toddler boy and girl playing while other kids watch in the background

As the high holidays approach, we are reminded that there are so many meaningful Jewish moments to celebrate. Within the joy and ruach (spirit) of holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, lies the solemn and serious Yom Kippur. There are a myriad of ways to make Yom Kippur meaningful for young children, for whom especially, Yom Kippur is not an easy holiday to understand.